Augmented reality and Virtual reality difference

Virtual reality is not the same as augmented reality. Everything and that many people relate these two concepts, the reality is that they are quite different elements. In this article we take an in-depth look at these two types of technology. But first, to better understand these environments, let’s delve a little into each of them separately. Augmented reality and Virtual reality difference

Augmented Reality (AR) is a perfect mix of the digital world and the physical and real elements to create an artificial environment. Applications that are developed using augmented reality technology for mobile or desktop to mix digital components with the real world. The full form of AR is augmented reality.

Examples : AR technology helps to display score overlays in televised sports games and to display 3D photos, text messages, and emails. Does the game of Pokemon GO sound familiar to you? So it uses augmented reality technology.

What is virtual reality?

On the other hand, Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulation generated by a computer where an alternate world or reality is generated. This technology is used in 3D movies and video games. Helps create real-world simulations and ‘immerse’ the viewer using computers and sensory devices such as headphones and gloves

In addition to games and entertainment, virtual reality is also used for training, education, and science. If you have never tried a virtual reality experience, we recommend one of these VR glasses.

Main differences between AR and VR

• Augmented reality augments the real world scene while virtual reality creates fully immersive virtual environments.
• AR is 25% virtual and 75% real while VR is 75% virtual and 25% real.
• In augmented reality you do not need a headset, while in virtual reality you need a device with a headset.
• With augmented reality, end users remain in contact with the real world while interacting with closer virtual objects, but by using virtual reality technology, the user is isolated from the real world and immersed in a completely fictional world.

How does AR work?

AR uses computer vision, mapping, and in-depth monitoring to display appropriate content to the user. This functionality allows cameras to collect, send and process data to display the appropriate digital content to what any user is looking at.

In augmented reality, the user’s physical environment is enhanced with contextually relevant digital content in real time. Augmented reality (AR) can be experienced with a smartphone or special hardware.

How does VR work?

The goal of virtual reality is to simulate vision. The user needs to put the screen of the VR headset in front of their eyes. Therefore, eliminating any interaction with the real world. In VR, two lenses are placed between the screen. The user needs to adjust the eyes based on individual eye movement and positioning. Visuals on the screen can be rendered using an HDMI cable connected to the PC or mobile phone

Use glasses, speakers, and sometimes handheld devices to simulate a real-world experience. In virtual reality, you can also employ visual, auditory, and haptic (tactile) stimulation, making constructed reality immersive.

Differences between AR and VR

Here are important differences between augmented reality and virtual reality

Augmented reality	Virtual reality
The system augments the real world scene	Fully immersive virtual environment
User always has a sense of presence in the real world	The visual senses are under the control of the system
It is 25% virtual and 75% real	It is 75% virtual and 25% real
This technology partially immerses the user in the action.	This technology completely immerses the user in the action.
Requires more than 100 Mbps of bandwidth	Requires at least a 50 Mbps connection
No headphones needed	Some virtual reality helmet device is needed.
End users are still in contact with the real world while interacting with virtual objects closer to them.	The virtual reality user isolates himself from the real world and immerses himself in a completely fictional world.
It is used to enhance the real and virtual world.	It is used to enhance the fictional reality of the game world.

Advantages of Augmented Reality

• Offers individualized learning
• Encourage the learning process
• Wide variety of fields
• Offers innovation and continuous improvement
• Increase precision
• Augmented reality can be used to increase user knowledge and information.
• People can share long-distance experiences.
• It helps developers create games that offer a “real” user experience.

Advantages of virtual reality

• Immersive learning
• Create an interactive environment
• Increase work capacities
• One of the most important advantages of VR is that it helps create a realistic world for the user to explore the world.
• Virtual reality in the field of education makes education easier and more comfortable.
• Virtual reality allows users to experiment with an artificial environment.

Disadvantage of augmented reality

• It is very expensive to implement and develop projects based on AR technology and maintain it.
• Lack of privacy is a big drawback of AR.
• The low performance level of AR devices is a major drawback that can arise during the testing phase.
• Augmented reality can cause mental health problems.
• Lack of security can affect the general principle of augmented reality.
• An extreme commitment to AR technology can lead to major health problems like eye problems, obesity, etc.

Disadvantages of virtual reality

• VR is becoming more and more common, but programmers will never be able to interact with virtual environments.
• Escapism is common among those who use VR environments, and people begin to live in the virtual world instead of dealing with real-world issues.
• Training in a VR environment never has the same results as training and working in the real world. This means that if someone has done simulated tasks well in a VR environment, there is still no guarantee that a person will do well in the real world.

Where is augmented reality used?

• AR applications are being developed that embed text, images, videos, etc.
• The printing and advertising industries are using AR technology applications to display digital content on top of real-world magazines.
• AR technology allows you to develop translation applications that help you interpret text in other languages.
• With the help of the Unity 3d Engine tool, AR is used to develop 3D games in real time.

Where is Virtual Reality used?

• VR technology is used to build and enhance a fictional reality for the gaming world.
• VR can be used by the military for flight simulations, battlefield simulations, etc.
• VR is used as a digital training device in many sports and to help measure an athlete’s performance and analyze their techniques.
• It is also becoming a primary method of treating PTSD.
• Using VR devices like Google Cardboard, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or users can be transported to the real world and to imaginary environments like the squawking penguin colony or even the back of a dragon.
• VR technology offers a safe environment for patients to come into contact with the things they fear.
• Medical students use VR for practice and procedures
• Virtual patients are used to help students develop skills that can then be applied in the real world.

Can AR and VR be used at the same time?

It will be a mistake to convey that AR and VR are intended to function separately. For the most part, they combine to generate a more attractive experience when these technologies are merged, known as extended reality, to transport the user to the fictional world, giving a new dimension of interaction between the real and virtual world.